Endicott Library Project FAQs

Endicott Library - front

Frequently asked questions about the Endicott Library
renovation ...

Who owns and uses the library?

The town of Endicott owns the library while MANY
people use it regularly! In fact, 550 people have and
use Endicott library cards. The Endicott branch is the
busiest in per/hour circulation countywide and has a
very strong following as related to the checkout of
materials, computer and Internet usage, childrenís
programs and adult craft programs.

Why canít Whitman County Library fix up the
Endicott Branch?

The Library District is relatively poor, providing
service to 14 locations on a budget better suited to
operate one. This is why the district was originally
designed with the communities owning and maintaining
their own library buildings while the library district
funds the staff, materials, computers, programs and
services.

While the Library District is not able to fund the
changes, they are excited to partner with community
members and the Town of Endicott to write grants and
secure funding.

What parts of the Library would be renovated?

Proposed changes call for completely gutting the
building and abating a number of toxins, installing a
basement vapor barrier and a clean air exhaust system,
making the restroom and entire facility handicap
accessible, repairing exterior brickwork and a number
of cosmetic improvements. Cost of the project is
anticipated at $118,000.

How have other communities funded major library
upgrades?

In Colfax, estate, memorial and local donations
along with a number of grants funded nearly all, of
the $1,040,000 project.

In Malden, a USDA grant written by a local Internet
provider built a computer center for the community.
Local and in-kind donations further developed the
library portion of the facility.

In Rosalia, donation of an empty building along
with in-kind labor and cash donations from the
community provided for a new library.

In St. John, the town purchased and cleared a main
street lot, residents raised approximately $250,000 in
cash and in-kind donations and a $500,000 bond measure
was approved to build a new facility

How can Endicott move forward to fund the
renovation?

Residents can make tax-deductible donations
directly to this project to help raise $22,500 in
matching capital. Combined with the $7500 that has
already been secured, the town of Endicott and the
Friends of the Endicott Library hope to raise $88,000
in grants and outside funding sources to ensure the
Endicott residents have access to a quality library
facility for generations to come!

The Endicott library is extremely popular but it faces a number of serious
issues that need immediate attention. The town of Endicott and Friends of the
Endicott Library are seeking donations for a complete renovation. If you are
able to help, please send contributions to: